Senior Flight Software Engineer (Aerospace AI)

Job Description

The Senior Flight Software Engineer plays a key role in the Satellite Embedded Software Group, serving as a hands-on individual contributor and technical leader for satellite imaging payload and attitude determination and control (ADCS) subsystems. In this role, you design, develop, and support mission-critical flight software, contribute to requirements and test planning, and collaborate closely with embedded systems, satellite operations, and mission management teams. You will have the opportunity to influence multiple high-impact programs from design through execution and to grow into broader subsystem ownership and mentorship responsibilities. This position offers a hybrid work option with a preferred location in Tukwila, WA, as well as consideration for remote candidates.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise for ADCS and imaging payload subsystem software design and development, ensuring robust, reliable, and maintainable flight software.
• Design, implement, and maintain flight software features for satellite imaging payloads and ADCS subsystems, focusing on mission-critical performance and quality.
• Drive assigned work to timely completion using task management tools such as Jira in an Agile-like environment, actively participating in and leading status meetings, standups, sprint planning, and task breakdown.
• Collaborate closely with other Embedded Software Group team members and cross-functional engineers from multiple disciplines to deliver on-time, defect-free software features and bug fixes.
• Ensure that documentation, testing, inspection, and analysis are adequately planned and executed to verify compliance with system requirements and program goals.
• Assist Systems Engineering teams with requirements development, refinement, and ongoing requirements management for flight software subsystems.
• Execute and provide feedback on flight software design, development, unit testing, integration, and release processes, continuously improving tools and workflows.
• Support board bring-up and integration activities for embedded Linux platforms where applicable, working closely with hardware and systems engineers.
• Lead and influence cross-functional engineering efforts to drive delivery across teams, helping to keep programs on schedule and aligned with technical objectives.
• Perform root cause analysis and problem solving for complex software and system issues, proposing and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in written and verbal forms with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders, providing status updates and technical insight.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of tasks and proactively identifying and addressing risks and issues.
• Contribute to mentorship and knowledge sharing within the team as you grow in the role, helping to elevate engineering standards and best practices.
• Carry out other job-related duties as assigned in support of satellite flight software development and operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 10 years of experience delivering and maintaining commercial or embedded software in a production environment.
• Expert-level ability to engineer clean, maintainable, and efficient C/C++ code for embedded and flight software applications.
• Strong proficiency in Python for tooling, automation, testing, and embedded software support workflows.
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems, ideally including Embedded Linux platforms and environments.
• Expertise with embedded Linux build systems and related tools such as Buildroot and Yocto.
• Proven experience delivering production embedded software for mission-critical or hardware-integrated systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and engineering efforts to deliver products on time and within scope.
• Outstanding root cause analysis and problem-solving skills for complex software and system issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and skill sets.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, taking ownership of tasks and driving them to completion.
• Capability to support programs that may require US citizenship, in accordance with applicable program requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with board bring-up for embedded Linux platforms, including low-level software and hardware integration.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces such as GPIO, I2C, SPI, CAN, USART, PHY, SpaceWire, Cameralink, and RS-422.
• Experience working with high-speed interfaces including 10G Ethernet, DMA, and PCIe.
• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems, including FreeRTOS, for embedded and flight software applications.
• Familiarity with boot loaders such as U-Boot or similar technologies for embedded systems.
• Space industry experience, particularly in satellite systems and payloads.
• Experience working on embedded software related to ADCS and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Knowledge of satellite payload systems and imaging applications.
• Exposure to tools and workflows commonly used in embedded development such as Buildroot, Yocto, and related ecosystems.

Work Environment

This role is offered in a hybrid or remote work arrangement, with a preferred location in Tukwila, WA. The ideal scenario allows the engineer to work in the Tukwila office 1-2 days per week while performing the remainder of duties remotely. You will work within a global, collaborative engineering environment that focuses on real-time satellite intelligence, embedded systems, and mission-critical flight software. The team uses modern Agile-like practices, task management tools such as Jira, and contemporary embedded Linux technologies and toolchains. The culture emphasizes being people-first, customer-focused, and engaging, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact across multiple critical satellite programs while working with cutting-edge space and software technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tukwila, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $74.00 - $87.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tukwila,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.